The Flag of Puerto Rico | District of Puerto Rico The Flag of Puerto Rico Puerto Rico Flag The Flag of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is rectangular in shape and consists of five alternating horizontal stripes, three red and two white, with an isosceles triangle with a five-pointed white star in the center based on the hoist side. The three red stripes represent the blood that nourishes the three branches of government, the two white stripes represent individual liberty and the rights of man which maintain the balance among the three branches of government. The white star represents the Commonwealth, the blue triangle represents the sky and the ocean, and the three sides of the triangle represent the three branches of the Commonwealth’s republican form of government. The flag’s design is based on the Cuban flag with the red and blue colors inverted. The shade of blue used for the triangle depends on who is asked. One may see flags with the dark blue, such as the flag displayed, a sky blue (“azul celeste”) or royal blue triangle. There is no “official” shade of blue. There are three versions of the origin of the Flag of Puerto Rico.

It appears to be undisputed that the flag was presented on December 22, 1895 at Chimney Hall in New York by Juan de Mata Terreforte, a veteran of the “Grito de Lares,” to a group of 59 Puerto Rican exiles who comprised the Puerto Rican section of the Cuban Revolutionary Party. Nevertheless, the identity of the person who proposed that the new Flag of Puerto Rico be similar to the Cuban flag with inverted colors is open to question. It is said, however, that the true shade of blue of the flag’s triangle is dark (Navy) blue. Red, white and dark blue are characteristic of the republican national colors (flags) in Europe during the 19th century, influenced by the tri-color of the First French Republic. The tri-color was in turn influenced by the colors of the newly established Republic of the United States. The Cuban flag was designed in New York by General Narciso López for his failed invasion of Cuba in 1851, the purpose of which was to annex Cuba to the United States. The blue on that flag was a dark shade.

This first Cuban flag with the dark blue stripes was adopted by the Constitutional Assembly which proclaimed the Armed Republic of Cuba in Camagüey in 1869. José Martí used the same flag as the flag of the Cuban Revolutionary Party in 1892. Eventually, that flag was designated as the official flag of Cuba in 1903. The blue in all those Cuban flags was Navy blue, so it stands to reason that when the flag of Puerto Rico was adopted in 1895 (with the colors of the Cuban flag inverted) the triangle’s shade of blue was dark (Navy). Some suggest, based on correspondence between Terreforte and Domingo Collazo, a member of the Club Borínquen, affiliated with the Cuban Revolutionary Party, that the idea of inverting the colors of the Cuban flag for the Flag of Puerto Rico came from Francisco Gonzalo (“Pachín”) Marín. Others claim that the idea came to Antonio Vélez-Alvarado, who wrote that “the colors appeared inverted before my eyes . . .

on June 11, 1890 or 1891,” and that it “immediately it occurred to me that with those colors of the Cuban flag, inverted as I had seen them, the Flag of Puerto Rico could be fashioned.” Still another version is that Manuel Besosa, one of the directors of the Puerto Rican section of the Cuban Revolutionary Party, was the person who proposed that the Flag of Puerto Rico be modeled after the Cuban flag, with colors inverted, when Terreforte’s proposal that the Flag of Betances (Grito de Lares Flag) be adopted as the Flag of Puerto Rico was defeated by vote of the members of the Directorate of the Puerto Rican section. The members of the Directorate then requested that Besosa create an inverted colors flag to be presented to the members of the Puerto Rican section. He in turn asked his daughter, María Manuela (“Mima”) Besosa, to sew the flag. It was this small (8-inch by 5-inch) flag that Terreforte presented at Chimney Hall on December 22, 1895 and there adopted unanimously by the Puerto Rican exiles as the Flag of Puerto Rico.

In 1952, the flag was made the official flag of the Commonwealth. Puerto Rico This page is part of © FOTW Flags Of The World website Puerto Rico image by Victor Quinones and Peter Hans van den Muijzenberg, 29 October 2008 Official Name: Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Capital: San Juan Government Type: Commonwealth associated with USA Flag adopted : 1952 (Designed: 22 December 1895) Coat of Arms adopted: 1976 (First adopted: 9 March 1905) ISO Code: PR The Flag Puerto Rico's flag is 100 years old on 22 December. The NANDO News service on the net had a short report on the celebrations a few days ago. Some lines from the report: "The flag was created in 1895, by the Puerto Rican section of the Cuban Revolutionary Party, which advocated independence for Puerto Rico and Cuba from Spanish rule." (...) "Its design is the same as the Cuban flag, but with the colors inverted.

It has five horizontal stripes, alternating red and white, with a white star on a blue triangle in the extreme left." (...) "Before 1952, police arrested anyone displaying the flag on charges of insubordination against the United States. When Puerto Rico became a Commonwealth that year, the flag became the island's official emblem." Jan Oskar Engene, 21 December 1995 From < >: The National Flag is the highest expression of Nationality and pride for the Motherland. Back in 1511, Spain issues an official flag for Puerto Rico, based in the Coat of Arms authorized by the spanish monarchs. On December 22, 1895, a group of 59 Puerto Ricans gather at "Chimney Corner Hall" in New York City and organizes a political group, attached to the Cuban Revolutionary Party to organize the Pro-Independence movement in Puerto Rico, still under Spanish ruling.

According to the meeting acts, the flag "...is same as the cuban, but the color stripes are inverted..." There are different theories regarding the origins of our flag, one of them names Manuel Besosa as the designer , in a letter written by his daughter she says, "...my father asked me to sew together some pieces of cloth, white, red and blue that he brought himself , this tiny flag had 5 alterned stripes, red and white, and a triangle with a five point star within it...". This is the symbolism according to the 1895 meeting: Red Stripes - The blood from the brave warriors. White Stripes - Victory and peace after obtaining indepence. Blue Triangle - Our sky and coastal waters. White Lone Star - Our beautiful Island. It wasn't but until 1952 that our Legislature approved the final symbolism of our flag: Red Stripes - stands for the "blood" that nourishes the three branches of our government; Legislative, Executive and Judiciary. White Stripes - represents individual liberty and the rights that keeps in perfect balance our form of government. Blue Triangle - stands for the "Republican Government", represented by the three branches. White Lone Star - represents "The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico".

Dov Gutterman , 28 December 1998 There has been an issue during recent years regarding the blue tone of the triangle in the Puerto Rican flag. The 1895 original design used a sky blue, however when the flag was adopted officially by the Commonwealth in 1952 it featured a dark blue very similar to that of the US flag (which is the one depicted above). I dont know the exact reasons for that change but I suspect that the new commonwealth governement of the time did not want to use what had been a revolutionary independence flag. Nonetheless, with the celebration of the flag's 100 aniversary in 1995 the current pro- statehood administration decided to go back to the original sky blue tone. Still, there are many different tones of blue used around the island, even among those in public buildings. Most government buildings have switched to the sky blue but many still use the dark tone. Also, independence supporters like to use a very light blue tone while commonwealth and statehood supporters prefer darker tones. It has become possible to identify the status preference of people based on the flag that they use.

Victor Quinones, 24 March 2000 After this digression, the original PR flag was simply the Cuban flag with the colors reversed. The blue was not dark but sky blue, as in the Cuban flag. The PR flag was forbidden in the island from 1898 until 1952, but was flown in defiance by the black-shirted Cadet Corps of the Puerto Rico Nationalist Party. After 1952, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico adopted the original flag based on the reverse-colored Cuban one, but changed the hue of blue to dark blue, matching the USA flag. Esteban Jimenez, 3 November 2000 I suppose the shade of red was also darkened, as the US flag uses "Old Glory Red" and the cuban flag uses a medium shade. António Martins, 7 November 2000 Since 1995 the oficial flag of Puerto Rico changed. Now the oficial one is the sky blue variant.

The Dark blue variant was ofical Since 1952 to 1994 and the governor of Puerto Rico in 1995 signed a law that the oficial flag of Puerto Rico is the sky blue variant. Nelson L. Román, 19 December 2004 Ramón Reyes Díaz relates in " Claridad " the origin of the flag of Puerto Rico. On 21 December 1895, "Patria", the official organ of the Cuban Revolutionary Party, announced a meeting during which the Puerto Rico Section of the party should be formed. The meeting was attended on 22 December 1895 by 59 Puerto Ricans; it took place in Chimney Hall, New York. Torreforte, a survivor from the Grito de Lares insurrection, presented the new flag of Puerto Rico during the meeting. It was similar to the Cuban flag, but with inverted colours for the triangle and coloured stripes (red triangle and blue stripes for Cuba vs. blue triangle and red stripes for Puerto Rico).

The three colours of the flag and the three points of the triangle have the same meaning as in the Cubal flag, that is the republican ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity proclaimed by the French Revolution. There are different hypothesis on the identity of the designer of the flag. Torreforte said that the flag designer was Francisco Gonzalo (Pachín) Marín. Antonio Vélez Alvarado claimed he was himself the designer of the flag. Roberto H. Todd said that the flag was designed by Manuel Besosa, member of the board of the Puerto Rican Section. The first flag was sewn by Maria Manuela (Mima) Besosa according to Robert H. Todd, or by Micaela Dalmau, according to Antonio Vélez Alvarado. The flag of Puerto Rico was used for the first time during the Yauco Attempt ("Intentona de Yauco") on 24 March 1897. In 1932, the Nationalist Party used it as its emblem during the elections. Blanca Canales hoisted the flag in Jayuya in 1950 when proclaiming the Republic of Puerto Rico.

Lolita Lebrón used again the flag during the shoot-up in the United States Congress in 1954. The legislative chambers attempted to officialize the flag in 1916, 1922, 1927 and 1932, to no avail. Ivan Sache, 6 January 2007 It would be good to check how much this alleged regulation is observed in practice, for many images of the (official or otherwise) flag of Puerto Rico I could found on line shows the same shade of blue (and red) as the US flag. There were also few with a lighter shade of blue (but with medium red, not dark). António Martins, 14 january 2007 The only laws found is that of 1952 with the dark blue version Furthermore, on the official website of the Government of Puerto Rico , the version they display is the dark blue version, as well as in all Government portraits. William-Jose Velez Gonzalez, 24 October 2008 Woodson Rainey asked: "I am comparing the flag of Cuba with the flag of Puerto Rico On this site.

The flag of Cuba has a blue field that is clearly an equilateral triangle. The flag of Puerto Rica has a blue field that appears to be isosceles with the two base angles greater than 60 degrees and extending into the banner by a dimension equal to 4 stripes. Is this true or is this a printing/drawing illusion?" No it isn't a printing illusion, however (and strangely enough), if made according to legislation both flags should actually have the same equilateral triangle at their hoist (the flag of Cuba according to Law No.42 or 1983 and that of Puerto Rico by Act No. 1 of 1952). Despite this, the Puerto Rican legislation is apparently ignored in practice, with the apex of the triangle only extending the centre point of the flag. Christopher Southworth, 15 July 2009 Bill penalizes use of the American flag in the absence of a Puerto Rican flag: � la bandera es el símbolo patrio de más alto valor para una nación.

Es el principal símbolo con el que cada pueblo se identifica y se distingue ante la gama de países que componen la comunidad internacional" (� the flag is the national symbol of the highest value to a nation. It is the main symbol that identifies each town and stands before the range of countries that make up the international community.) --Bill 555 introduced 25 January 2013 by Rep. Charlie Hernandez, Puerto Rico, House of Representatives National Flag at the London 2012 Olympics The protocol manual for the London 2012 Olympics (Flags and Anthems Manual London 2012 [ loc12 ]) provides recommendations for national flag designs. Each NOC was sent an image of the flag, including the PMS shades, for their approval by LOCOG. Once this was obtained, LOCOG produced a 60 x 90 cm version of the flag for further approval. So, while these specs may not be the official, government, version of each flag, they are certainly what the NOC believed the flag to be. For Puerto Rico: PMS 032 red, 281 blue.

The vertical flag is simply the horizontal version turned 90 degrees clockwise. Ian Sumner, 10 October 2012 Air National Guard Puerto Rico does not have an Air Force but it does have an Air National Guard. I have not been able to find an illustration of any roundel for it on the web, but did find several sites selling decals for Puerto Rico Air National Guard markings, so they must have some sort of unique insignia. Ned Smith, 19 April 1999 Puerto Rico is a non-incorporated territory of the United States, so it has no Armed Forces of her own. Our Air National Guard planes use the American roundel. Blas Delgado Ortiz, 4 March 2000 "Coquí" Flag There's something green on the Puerto Rican flags. For sure, photographer Gregory Bull was not focusing on the flags... Here is the photo from < story.news.yahoo.com > titled: "People line the street waving Puerto Rican flags along Fifth Avenue in New York Sunday, June 8, 2003, during part of the Puerto Rican Day parade. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)".

Francisco Santos, 11 June 2003 It is the Puertorican "Coqui" (a frog) which is a Puertorican icon. Over this coquí is written: Puerto Rico. Nelson Román, 11 June 2003 According to this WMO page , Saint Lucia use the US signal set : Extensively quoted from text: all references to flags and their meanings (information on broadcasts left out if not accompanied by hoisting flags). Sequence follows text. - 56a (red pennant): "Small Craft Advisory: weather or sea conditions (either present or forecast), sustained for more two hours, that might be hazardous to small boats. Mariners learning of a Small Craft Advisory are urged to determine immediately the reason by tuning their radios to the latest marine broadcasts. Decision as to the degree of hazard will be left up to the boatmen, based on his experience and size and type of boat. The threshold conditions for the Small Craft Advisory are usually 18 knots of wind (less than 18 knots in some dangerous waters) or hazardous wave conditions. 1.

Displays are made from about 200 points along the sea coasts, the Great Lakes, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. No displays are made in Alaska but warnings are broadcast by radio. 2. Hurricane watch (...) No display is provided for the "Hurricane watch"." - 41a (double set of red pierced black): "Hurricane warning: winds 74 miles an hour (64 kt) and upwards when in connection with a tropical cyclone. 1. Displays are made from about 200 points along the sea coasts, the Great Lakes, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. No displays are made in Alaska but warnings are broadcast by radio. 2. Hurricane watch: (...) No display is provided for the "Hurricane watch"." - 39a (double set of red pennants): "Gale warning: winds within the range 39 to 54 miles an hour (34 to 47 kt). 1. Displays are made from about 200 points along the sea coasts, the Great Lakes, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. No displays are made in Alaska but warnings are broadcast by radio. 2.

Hurricane watch: (...) No display is provided for the "Hurricane watch"." - 40a (red pierced black): "Storm warning: wind 55 miles an hour (48 kt) and upwards, except that when winds are associated with a tropical cyclone, HURRICANE warnings will be hoisted for winds 74 miles an hour (64 kt) and upwards. (...) 1. Displays are made from about 200 points along the sea coasts, the Great Lakes, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. No displays are made in Alaska but warnings are broadcast by radio. 2. Hurricane watch: (...) No display is provided for the "Hurricane watch"." Jan Mertens, 20 April 2008 Puerto Rican Flag Culture and Life Puerto Rico's Flag The design of the Commonwealth flag reflects the close ties that bound the Cuban and Puerto Rico patriots in the 19th century for the flag which waves over the Capital of San Juan is the Cuban flag color reversed. The flag was first used on December 22, 1895. A group of 59 Puerto Ricans led by Dr. Julio J.

Henna, gather at "Chimney Corner Hall" in Manhattan, New York City and organizes a political group, attached to the Cuban Revolutionary Party, which advocated independence for Puerto Rico and Cuba from Spanish rule. As part of their activities, a flag was created to rally support for independence from Spain. The flag was soon adopted as a national symbol. In 1898, the flag became the mark of resistance to the US invasion; and in the 1930s it was adopted by the Nationalist Party. When Puerto Rico became a Commonwealth in July 25, 1952 it was officially adopted as the national flag. The Puerto Rican flag consists of 5 alternate red and white stripes. On the left of the flag is a single white five-pointed star resting in a blue triangle. The symbolism is explained thus. The white star stands for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico while the three sides of the equilateral triangle together represent the three branches of the Republican government (executive, legislative and judicial branches). The three red strips symbolize the blood that feeds those parts of the government.

The two white stripes symbolizing the rights of man and the freedom of the individual, are a perpetual reminder of the need for vigilance of a democratic government is to be preserved. The flag is not flown except in company of the U.S. flag. Adopted in July 25, 1952. Interesting Fact Did you know that the original design used a sky blue tone of the triangle in the Puerto Rican flag? But when the flag was adopted officially by the Commonwealth in 1952 it featured a dark blue very similar to that of the US flag. This fact has raised many issues whether to use a sky blue tone or a dark blue tone in the flag. Recently, with the celebration of the flag's 100 anniversary in 1995 the current administration displayed a flag with the original sky blue tone. Some historians concluded that the reason why a dark blue was used in the 1952 flag was related to the origins of the flag and its relationship with a revolutionary independence movement.

The identity of the flag's author has been reason for many debates, possible authors: José del Matta Terraforte, Antonio Vélez Alvarado, Manuel Besosa and/or Gonzalo (Pachín) Marín. Soon after the Cuban Revolution (1950's) US officials in the island became suspicious of those who displayed the flag, considering them subversives. Police used to arrest anyone displaying the flag on charges of insubordination against the United States. Other Resources Puerto Rico Flags and Symbols and National Anthem Larger Puerto Rico flag Puerto Rico Coat of Arms: Puerto Rico's coat of arms was adopted on June 3, 1976. The green background of the shield represents the vegetation of the island, and the Lamb of God and cross flag are associated with the patron saint of the island - St. John the Baptist. The book the lamb rests upon is symbolic of the Book of Revelations. The shield is bordered by 16 different elements: the castles and lions represent the Kingdom of Castile and Leon, and the cross of Jerusalem for the Kingdom of Jerusalem. To the left of the shield, a golden crowned 'F' represents Ferdinand II of Aragon.

To the right, a golden crowned 'Y' represents Ysabel (Isabella I of Castile). Underneath the shield Puerto Rico's motto is displayed in Latin, a quotation from the Vulgate of Luke 1:63, which means "John is his name." This refers to St. John the Baptist. See Also Flag of Puerto Rico | By Puerto Rico Channel City finder Origins of Puerto Rico's National Flag Puerto Rico's national flag was designed in 1894 by Francisco Gonzalo Marin. Marin used the flag of Cuba as a model, simply inverting Cuban flag's colors to give it a unique identity. It didn't take long for the flag to grow in popularity and it soon became accepted as the country's national flag. The flag is made up of five equal horizontal bands. The top, middle and bottom bands are red while the remaining in-between bands are white. The pole side of the flag features a blue isosceles triangle with a white five-pointed star in the center.

The meaning of these various shapes and colors has changed somewhat over the years but it is generally accepted that the red stripes symbolize the 'blood' that nourishes the government or that of brave warriors and the white stripes symbolize victory, liberty and independence. The blue triangle represents both the three sides of government and the blue waters of the ocean, while the white star symbolizes the island-country of Puerto Rico. Though the basic shape and order of color have been set, there has been, and in some instances continues to be, debate regarding the specific shades of color to be used. The original colors were very similar to that of the Cuban flag - sky blue and medium red, but when it was adopted by the Commonwealth in 1952, the blue and red became darker and more similar to the royal blue and glory red used in the US flag. The reason for this may have been reluctance on the part of the Commonwealth to make use of a flag which represented revolutionary independence. In any case, the lighter shades seem to be favored by pro-independence groups while the darker shades are used by pro-statehood, pro-US groups.

In more recent years the traditional sky blue has seen a comeback and the official shade seems to have settled at a mid-shade somewhere between the two extremes. Tags: Puerto Rico - Political Flags - Part I This page is part of © FOTW Flags Of The World website Puerto Rico - Political Flags - Part I Overview Puerto Rico is not a state or a territory of the US; it is a voluntarily associated free state ("estado libre asociado", I believe is the official title.) Their citizens are US citizens and they use US currency, the US handles foreign affairs and defense, but they are internally self-governing. They have no voting representative in Congress (however someone does serve on committees and can speak on the floor) and do not pay income tax (not to Washington, anyway; I don't know the local tax structure.) Puerto Rico has its own Olympic committee and participates under its own flag there and at the Pan American games etc. There is a prominent statehood movement and a small independence movement; the shades of blue in the Puerto Rico flag supposedly distinguish these folks. Al Kirsch, 23 March 2003 On the Puerto Rico statehood issue, there is a serious pro-statehood movement on the island.

The last vote on the future status of Puerto Rico in 1998 offered five options, of which three got significant support: statehood, 46.5%; independence, 2.5%; "none of the above," 50.3%. "None of the above" was supported by the party that supports continuation of the present commonwealth status and was widely interpreted as a vote for the status quo. Joe McMillan, 24 March 2003 Puerto Rican independentists, associated republicans, and almost every one else agree that the actual flag shall never, never be replaced by another design, except for the explained blue tone of the triangle issue. Blas Delgado Ortiz, 21 February 2005 Shade of Blue in PR Flags - Political Aspect I am from the beautifull island of Puerto Rico. To make the story short, Our flag is based exactly on the flag of Cuba , only difference change the color of the triangle and the stripes to the opossite. Being the Cuban flag with light Blue Stripes and Red Triangle our flag should be light blue Triangle and red stripes.

Also your display of the Cuban flag is wrong, their flag is Light Blue and you can verfy that anywhere. The problem of different color for my flag resides in History and how it can be manipulated by political forces. When my country got invaded by US forces, the posesion of a Puertorican Flag was a crime punished by death and prison. We had a military based govermenth till 1952, when we elected or First Governor Hon. Luis Munoz Marin and with the consent of the US goverment the "Estado Libre Asociado" Commonwealth was established. Because of an error when the ordered the Flags to be displayed in New York they used Navy Blue as the american flag instead of light blue, but thay had to be displayed! The thing is that as you should know, ther is 3 political parties here. One seeking Statehood, Other to stay as we are, and the last one to be Independent. The thing is that those that seek statehood, change the flags form light blue to navy blue when they get into Government. That to make it look as the American Flag. So they express that the light blue is used only by the people that seek independence (which is not true).

That is only to justify their use of the navy blue, which is not valid. The official flag was and still is the one with the light blue. Rafael Linero Rivera, 2 July 2001 My impression is that until relatively recently, blue was blue--not just in the Puerto Rico flag but in general. I don't believe there was anything sinister or even implicitly political in the flagmakers in the US (or in US-owned PR) using the same shades of red and blue as prescribed for the US flag. That's standard practice for US flagmakers generally. The different shades of blue, I believe, have only acquired political meanings relatively recently, but I can't swear to that. As for the Cuban flag, my understanding is that the blue is rather a bright than a light blue--certainly not as dark as US or UK blue but darker than Argentine celeste. But again, that's an impression, not a statement based on documentation or certain knowledge. Joe McMillan, 2 July 2001 It is interesting to read the article, weather is has some ground or not.

It has not been unknown that similar "small" distinctions, quite unimportant and neglectable to a casual observer, are give large political significance (weather true or alleged). Blue shade of a field is especially well suitable for such purpose, since often, blue is not exactly defined by legislation, but the different shades of blue used are very easily differentiated. However, I for one would be very careful about this claims, as they sound very close to "urban legend". There is a number of such "legends" about more or less every flag. On the other hand, it may well happen that various political streams that all claim right to one and the same symbol do find small and substantially unimportant (or historically undifferentiated) element that may serve as identification to those "initiated". Weather this is done in purpose and systematically, or if it is only a practice observed on preferences of large number of users, it is not quite important. I suspect that it may well be the case with the shades of blue of Puerto Rico. eljko Heimer, 2 July 2001 Much of this may be urban legend.

I have heard it reported that those who favor independence favor (and perhaps display) light blue, those who favor "Commonwealth" (present) status favor a medium ("royal"?) blue, and those who favor statehood favor a dark ("navy" or "old glory") blue. True? As for the Cuban flag, I have seen many in South Florida and one on a Cuban freighter in Toronto harbor. The one on the freighter used a dark blue. The ones I've seen here use a medium to medium-dark shade. Never have I seen a Cuban flag in light blue, if what is meant is a shade anywhere in the range of Argentina's very light blue to Britains's RAF Ensign to Sweden's at the darker end (which is still lighter than "medium" or "royal".). So Mr Linero may need some straightening out here. As for the politically charged nature of this, I don't think anyone here is about to take a stand one way or another on PR's legal status. Al Kirsch, 3 July 2001 I reside in Puerto Rico and I can tell you that the only flags displayed in commercial and government buildings are the navy blue and royal blue varieties.

I suspect royal blue can be called the "official" one as it predominates in government buildings. Sky blue variants have been very limited to independence groups, which comprise about 5% of the population. I have to add that this has become a charged issue during the past weeks as PR as undergone was is called as the "War of Flags" between various political groups. Indepence groups have been planting sky blue PR flags near US military installations, while pro- statehooders have been showering the roads and streets with US and either dark or royal blue PR flags. Rafael Linero Rivera, 6 August 2001 In 1995, during the pro-statehood government of Gov. Rossello', the royal or medium blue flag was made the official flag of PR, replacing the Navy blue one. The Navy blue flag was adopted in 1953 by the Commonwealth government of Gov. Muñoz Marín to match Old Glory as both flags were officially flown together for the first time since the USA occupation of 1898. It is ironic that a pro-statehood government chose the same flag that was previously ban for generations by both countries as a symbol of rebellion and independence.

The sky-blue flag, has never been recognized as an official flag. But, it is true that it has been used recently by pro-independence sympathizers. It was made that way to make it as far likely as possible to the USA flag. Two very big flags has been posted at Vieques and Cayey. The blue color of the Cuban flag was never intended to be sky-blue. It is not in the Coat of Arms. Neither it was to be Navy blue. It is a medium to medium-dark blue. So, when people say that the PR flag was inspired by the Cuban flag, only the colors reversed, they are really referring to the now official royal blue version, not the sky-blue flag. But this issue is very controversial in PR, and the faded one theory of both the Cuban and PR flags has many sympathizers here, due in part to our present political situation and the confrontation with the US Navy. Blas Delgado Ortiz, 6 August 2001 The blue on the Cuban flag is a medium blue, a lighter blue than the US flag. The flag of Purto Rico is derived from the Cuban flag by switching the red with the blue. Therefore the blue on the Puerto Rican flag is also medium blue.

Or it would be, except for politics and circumstance. The Puerto Rican flag was officially considered seditious for half a century. Then in 1952 it became the official flag of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Dyes fade in the sun, so the US government makes new flags dark. The initial run of new Puerto Rican flags used the same "Old Glory" blue as found in the US flag. I don't think there was any political statement intended. In vexillology, the usual rule is that shades don't matter (again, because flags fade). But some people have made the shade of blue a political issue, and at some point the Puerto Rican government officially stated that the triangle on the Puerto Rican flag is medium blue. Randall Bart, 2 July 2003 image from < home.coqui.net > Partido Accio'n Civil (Civil Action Party): The portrayed tree is known as a "flamboya'n" or royal poinciana (Delonix regia). Its bloom is bright orange. According to the site, "our emblem [badge] is a royal poinciana in bloom, for it symbolizes an improved environment and thus shall we reforest our society..." J.

Vaquer Jr., 4 March 1999 based on image from < > Last night I saw on the news another attempt for a referendum on statehood or independence (or maintain status quo) will be held in Puerto Rico this year. In the news clip there was a flag-frenzy of US flags, Puerto Rican flags, and at some (to me) UFE's. There were so many flags, it was tough to distinguish, but I think that one of the UFE's is: Green, white cross, as in St. George's cross (I'm pretty sure of this one) Rob Raeside, 5 March 1998 Green & white is the flag of the Independence Party Anna Stone Jimanez, 31 October 1998 Could any of you do me the favor of explaining the origin and meaning of the flag of the Puerto Rican Independence Party (PIP): vert a Scandinavian cross argent? It appears in FLAGS THROUGH THE AGES in one of the pages dedicated to symbols of political parties, but regrettably no commentary is included.

Juan Morales, 25 Febuary 1999 Pending more information directly from the Puerto Rican Independence Party < > : The green background aludes to the island of Puerto Rico, reflecting the field tincture of the national CoA granted by Spain on November 8, 1511. It has also been identified with patriotic hopes. The white cross honors the Christian democratic roots of the party at its inception in 1946. The layout honors the Rebel Flag of Lares an inland town wherein an unsuccessful rebellion was prematurely staged against the Spanih government in September 23, 1868. The Lares flag, intended to become the national flag of the Republic, was designed by Dr. Ramon Emeterio Betances and embroidered by Mrs. Mariana "Golden Arm" Bracetti. This layout in turn honors their liaison to the Antillean Confederacy and nationalist forces in the Dominican Republic, where Dr. Betances had been exiled to. Although in 1971 (?) the Puerto Rican Indenpedence Party adopted democratic socialism as the cornerstone of its platform, the party emblem was created decades before this political redefinition.

The flag's layout is not purposefully related Scandinavian vexillology, despite the party chairman's political and former matrimonial links to Sweden.

Albeit the official flag bears no charges, other versions of the flag have charged it with: - a right fist holding a rose, all ppr, the symbol of the Socialist International - the party's motto: "Independencia, Socialismo, Democracia" (Independence, Socialism, Democracy) in black - the national coat of arms of Puerto Rico - the national seal of Puerto Rico - the head of the Statue of Liberty (in New York) bearing a flag of Puerto Rico across its forehead - images of four Nationalist Party revolutionaries held in US federal prisons for a deadly shootout staged at the American capitol in 1954 - images of the pantheon of Puerto Rican independence heroes - a map of Puerto Rico - the coqui' (Eleutherodactylus portorricensis), a native tree frog, usually depicted green or tan - other slogans and charges incidental to specific celebrations and activities Juan Vaquer Jr, 26 Febuary 1999 image from < > Los Macheteros (official name: Ejército Popular de Boricua (EPB)), known also as EPB Movimiento Popular Revolucionario, Machete Wielders and Popular Army of Boricua.

Founding Philosophy: The Macheteros issued their first communique on August 24, 1978. In the letter, the group protested the deaths of two Puerto Rican independency advocates by Puerto Rican police officers. In addition to the written protest, the newly formed group physically retaliated against the Puerto Rican police force. The Macheteros first recorded terrorist action was the murder of a Puerto Rican police officer. The Macheteros is a terrorist group committed to full Puerto Rican independence from the United States. While the group has shown activity in the continental U.S., the group is based in Puerto Rico. Furthermore, the majority of its attacks have occurred in Puerto Rico. The Macheteros believe that the U.S. is illegally occupying Puerto Rican lands. The group's terrorist activities are particularly aimed at U.S. military installations and personnel. In addition, the group has a history of attacking Puerto Rican police officers. Current Goals: While the Macheteros are based in Puerto Rico, a bank robbery in the United States precipitated a severe blow to the terrorist group. In September 1983, the Macheteros stole more than $7 million from a Wells Fargo bank in West Hartford, Connecticut.

While the Macheteros escaped with the majority of the stolen money, enough evidence was gathered from the bank investigation to arrest several key Macheteros leaders. Despite the successful conviction of several Macheteros leaders in the early 1990s, the Macheteros have engaged in terrorist attacks since the arrests. Movimiento de Reunificacion con España (MRE) image by Ivan Sache, 12 June 2014 The new party of Puerto Rico, Movimiento de Reunificacion con España, has a flag: red with a yellow cross and the letters MRE in black in the center. Source: - Nació Digital, 11 June 2014 Jaume Ollé, 12 June 2014 The MRE is a citizen's movement campaigning for "reunification" with Spain. They want to be "the 18th autonomous community of a country they never asked to leave". The MRE recalls that Puerto Ricans "were Spanish citizens until to the invasion of the island by the USA in 1898".

José Nieves, the leader of the MRE, said that he would apply at the The Hague Court to obtain the nullification of the Treaty of Paris (1898) that transferred Puerto Rico, the Philippines and Guam from Spanish to US sovereignty. Nieves, of Canarian and Catalan origin, believes that the Puerto Ricans will be readily accepted by the Spanish people. The MRE, established on 13 February 2014, expects to held its first assembly in July 2014. The flag of the MRE was unveiled on 1 June 2014 in Río Piedras (San Juan). Source: - MRE blog, 1 June 2014 The flag is modelled on the flag used in Puerto Rico during the 1st Spanish Republic. Ivan Sache, 12 June 2014 Puerto Rico This page is part of © FOTW Flags Of The World website Puerto Rico From < >: The National Flag is the highest expression of Nationality and pride for the Motherland. Back in 1511, Spain issues an official flag for Puerto Rico, based in the Coat of Arms authorized by the spanish monarchs.

On December 22, 1895, a group of 59 Puerto Ricans gather at "Chimney Corner Hall" in New York City and organizes a political group, attached to the Cuban Revolutionary Party to organize the Pro-Independence movement in Puerto Rico, still under Spanish ruling. According to the meeting acts, the flag "...is same as the cuban, but the color stripes are inverted..." There are different theories regarding the origins of our flag, one of them names Manuel Besosa as the designer , in a letter written by his daughter she says, "...my father asked me to sew together some pieces of cloth, white, red and blue that he brought himself , this tiny flag had 5 alterned stripes, red and white, and a triangle with a five point star within it...". This is the symbolism according to the 1895 meeting: Red Stripes - The blood from the brave warriors. White Stripes - Victory and peace after obtaining indepence. Blue Triangle - Our sky and coastal waters. White Lone Star - Our beautiful Island.

It wasn't but until 1952 that our Legislature approved the final symbolism of our flag: Red Stripes - stands for the "blood" that nourishes the three branches of our government; Legislative, Executive and Judiciary. White Stripes - represents individual liberty and the rights that keeps in perfect balance our form of government. Blue Triangle - stands for the "Republican Government", represented by the three branches. White Lone Star - represents "The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico". Dov Gutterman , 28 December 1998 There has been an issue during recent years regarding the blue tone of the triangle in the Puerto Rican flag. The 1895 original design used a sky blue, however when the flag was adopted officially by the Commonwealth in 1952 it featured a dark blue very similar to that of the US flag (which is the one depicted above). I dont know the exact reasons for that change but I suspect that the new commonwealth governement of the time did not want to use what had been a revolutionary independence flag. Nonetheless, with the celebration of the flag's 100 aniversary in 1995 the current pro- statehood administration decided to go back to the original sky blue tone.

Still, there are many different tones of blue used around the island, even among those in public buildings. Most government buildings have switched to the sky blue but many still use the dark tone. Also, independence supporters like to use a very light blue tone while commonwealth and statehood supporters prefer darker tones. It has become possible to identify the status preference of people based on the flag that they use. Victor Quinones, 24 March 2000 After this digression, the original PR flag was simply the Cuban flag with the colors reversed. The blue was not dark but sky blue, as in the Cuban flag. The PR flag was forbidden in the island from 1898 until 1952, but was flown in defiance by the black-shirted Cadet Corps of the Puerto Rico Nationalist Party. After 1952, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico adopted the original flag based on the reverse-colored Cuban one, but changed the hue of blue to dark blue, matching the USA flag. Esteban Jimenez, 3 November 2000 I suppose the shade of red was also darkened, as the US flag uses "Old Glory Red" and the cuban flag uses a medium shade.

Antonio Martins, 7 November 2000 by Victor Quinones, 6 October 2000 2) by Victor Quinones, 6 October 2000 3) Light Blue variant by Victor Quinones, 6 October 2000 Concering the blue tone of the triangle in the Puerto Rican flag, here are the three commonly used variations in the island: 1) Dark Blue: Former official tone (until 1995), still substantially used by government and commerce and prefferred by pro- U.S. groups. 2) "Sky" Blue: Current official tone, used in most government buildings, substantial commercial use. Politically used mostly by pro commonwealth and statehood groups. 3) Light Blue: Preffered and widely used by pro- independence groups. Victor Quinones, 6 October 2000 Do these two last versions has indeed a derker shade of red, as in the US flag, or do they use medium red, like in the flag of Cuba?

Antonio Martins, 27 December 2000 100 Years of the Flag Puerto Rico's flag is 100 years old on 22 December. The NANDO News service on the net had a short report on the celebrations a few days ago. Some lines from the report: "The flag was created in 1895, by the Puerto Rican section of the Cuban Revolutionary Party, which advocated independence for Puerto Rico and Cuba from Spanish rule." (...) "Its design is the same as the Cuban flag, but with the colors inverted. It has five horizontal stripes, alternating red and white, with a white star on a blue triangle in the extreme left." (...) "Before 1952, police arrested anyone displaying the flag on charges of insubordination against the United States. When Puerto Rico became a Commonwealth that year, the flag became the island's official emblem." Jan Oskar Engene, 21 December 1995 From < >: Our Coat of Arms uses symbols of our history, culture and religion.

It was first recognized by the Spanish Crown in 1511, but it wasn't until March 9,1905 that al law, establishing the official Coat of Arms was signed. After numerous investigations and amendments to that statute, the final version was approved and signed into law in 1976.The green background stands for our vegetation, our hopes and courtesy. Within the background there's a lamb on top of the Book of Revelations, holding the seven seals of The Apocalypse. The lamb symbolizes peace, purity, humble, integrity, and holds a white flag with a red cross. The flag means "truce", or knowledge to stop fighting. Both, the lamb and the flag, are symbols of "John The Baptist" or San Juan Bautista, the original name given by the Spanish settlers. The rim is covered by 16 symbols: castles signifying the "Kingdom of Castilla" and lions, representing the "Kingdom of Leon" and a flag, with both, lions and castles, representing the unity of both kingdoms, also shows the "Cross of Jerusalem" used by the Monarchs to expel the "non christians" from the Spanish peninsula.

The crown on top symbolizes the "Royalty" who authorized this shield. To the right, an "F" for Fernando, to the left, a "Y" for Ysabel, the King and Queen of the Spanish Empire. The motto reads: "Joannes Est Nomem Ejus", it means "John is it name", the original name of the island. Our Coat of Arms is the oldest in use in America, other countries created a new Coat when they became independent, ours is the only one that remembers the Spanish presence in the "New World" or America. Dov Gutterman, 28 December 1998 There exists a slightly different version of the CoA of Puerto Rico. The two differences are found on the shield's border: 1) The Cross of Jerusalem has a small cross at each corner. 2) Instead of the flag of Castile and Leon there is a flag of Aragon and Sicily. An example can be seen at < >. Also it is interesting to note that when this CoA was granted to P.R. it included a flag based upon the same. While the original drawing no longer exists, luckily the original description does.

Part of the description can be read (in Spanish) at < >. Marcos Obregon, 19 Febuary 2002 It is true that this version existed previous to the declaration of the present CoA as the official one. But it was not an accurate representation of the original one given to the Island by the King of Spain. The present and official one is thought to be the most accurate version so far. It's a pity that the source of this information is not mention, if there exists one. To this point, we can only say that this is a putative first flag. What I can interpret from the description, the flag was divided in two horizontal bands, red the lower one with a white symmetrical cross in the middle (not sure what "dos a dos" or "two by two" means), and green the upper band with a golden castle to the hoist and a golden lion to the fly. Blas Delgado Ortiz, 20 Febuary 2002 The motto on the CoA is "JOANNES EST NOMEN EJUS". It's Latin. It means "John is his name" and is a quotation from the book of Luke in the Bible.

The elderly Zachary (also spelled Zechariah) was told by an angel that his wife Elizabeth would give birth to a son, and that they would name him John. Zachary was struck speechless until the child was born. When the time came to name the baby, Elizabeth said his name was John, but the rest of the family objected, wanting to name the child after his father and arguing that no one in the family had ever been named John. They approached Zachary for instructions, and he wrote on a tablet "His name is John." The baby was the cousin of Jesus and grew up to be known as John the Baptist, one of the most important saints in the Christian religion. The quotation is pertinent to Puerto Rico as a reference to the island's capital, San Juan, which is Spanish for St. John. The coat of arms, which shows a lamb with a banner resting upon a book, is also a reference to John, as he was the one who referred to Jesus with the words "Behold the Lamb of God." Joe McMillan, 22 August 2002 "Dos o dos" refers to a equally divided cross. I believe it describes a white greek cross over a red background.

This is a design used by the order of StJohn the Baptist also known as the Knights of Malta. This makes sense because the island was then known as San Juan Bautista. Marcos Obregon, 21 October 2002 The Seal by Blas Delgado Ortiz , 4 March 2000 I have this book, which I have mentioned before, with the information that I think is mistaken. The book is titled: "FLAGS OF ALL NATIONS" by Cleveland H. Smith and Gertrude R. Taylor, pub. by Thomas Y. Crowell Compnay, NYC, NY, 1946, 1947. The book shows the rounded shield of Puerto Rico on a white field , in the center, as the Governor-General's flag. Steve Stringfellow, 12 August 1997 This is regarding the seal appearing in the Puerto Rico home page and wrongly designated the Governor Generals Seal. There is no such thing as a Governor General in Puerto Rico, as in the British Commonwealth of Nations. Just simply Governor.

The round seal is in fact the Seal of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico, instituted in 1953, and not to be confused with the CoA. The Governor of Puerto Rico put it in display in front of him every time he gives an official speech. In those instances, the seal circunscribed with the inscription "GOBERNADOR DE PUERTO RICO" is used. In official documents, the seal circunscribed with "GOBIERNO DE PUERTO RICO" in a white circular band is used today. The inscription originally read "ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO DE PUERTO RICO." Blas Delgado Ortiz, 4 March 2000 Air National Guard Puerto Rico does not have an Air Force but it does have an Air National Guard. I have not been able to find an illustration of any roundel for it on the web, but did find several sites selling decals for Puerto Rico Air National Guard markings, so they must have some sort of unique insignia.

Ned Smith, 19 April 1999 Puerto Rico is a non-incorporated territory of the United States, so it has no Armed Forces of her own. Our Air National Guard planes use the American roundel. Blas Delgado Ortiz, 4 March 2000 Puerto Rico This page is part of © FOTW Flags Of The World website Puerto Rico From: : The National Flag is the highest expression of Nationality and pride for the Motherland. Back in 1511, Spain issues an official flag for Puerto Rico, based in the Coat of Arms authorized by the spanish monarchs. On December 22, 1895, a group of 59 Puerto Ricans gather at "Chimney Corner Hall" in New York City and organizes a political group, attached to the Cuban Revolutionary Party to organize the Pro-Independence movement in Puerto Rico, still under Spanish ruling.

According to the meeting acts, the flag "...is same as the cuban, but the color stripes are inverted..." There are different theories regarding the origins of our flag, one of them names Manuel Besosa as the designer , in a letter written by his daughter she says, "...my father asked me to sew together some pieces of cloth, white, red and blue that he brought himself , this tiny flag had 5 alterned stripes, red and white, and a triangle with a five point star within it...". This is the symbolism according to the 1895 meeting: Red Stripes - The blood from the brave warriors. White Stripes - Victory and peace after obtaining indepence. Blue Triangle - Our sky and coastal waters. White Lone Star - Our beautiful Island. It wasn't but until 1952 that our Legislature approved the final symbolism of our flag: Red Stripes - stands for the "blood" that nourishes the three branches of our government; Legislative, Executive and Judiciary. White Stripes - represents individual liberty and the rights that keeps in perfect balance our form of government. Blue Triangle - stands for the "Republican Government", represented by the three branches. White Lone Star - represents "The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico".

Dov Gutterman , 28 December 1998 100 years of the flag Puerto Rico's flag is 100 years old on 22 December. The NANDO News service on the net had a short report on the celebrations a few days ago. Some lines from the report: "The flag was created in 1895, by the Puerto Rican section of the Cuban Revolutionary Party, which advocated independence for Puerto Rico and Cuba from Spanish rule." (...) "Its design is the same as the Cuban flag, but with the colors inverted. It has five horizontal stripes, alternating red and white, with a white star on a blue triangle in the extreme left." (...) "Before 1952, police arrested anyone displaying the flag on charges of insubordination against the United States. When Puerto Rico became a Commonwealth that year, the flag became the island's official emblem." Jan Oskar Engene, 21 December 1995 Other Flags Last night I saw on the news another attempt for a referendum on statehood or independence (or maintain status quo) will be held in Puerto Rico this year.

In the news clip there was a flag-frenzy of US flags, Puerto Rican flags, and at some (to me) UFE's. There were so many flags, it was tough to distinguish, but I think the UFE's are: 1. Green, white cross, as in St. George's cross (I'm pretty sure of this one). 2. Current Puerto Rican flag, but replace star with a cowboy hat (reliable viewing). Rob Raeside, 5 March 1998 Your other flags are flags used by political parties: green & white - Independence party red "jibaro" (country-dweller)on white (if someone has used the PR flag and replaced the star with a "cowboy hat" [the "pava" is a wide-brimmed woven straw hat which used to be commonly used by field workers] I haven't seen it, but I could believe that it has been done.) Commonwealth party; blue palm tree on white - Statehood party.

Anna Stone Jimanez, 31 October 1998 Governor General's flag by Steve Stringfellow, 12 August 1997 I have this book, which I have mentioned before, with the information that I think is mistaken. The book is titled: FLAGS OF ALL NATIONS by Cleveland H. Smith and Gertrude R. Taylor, pub. by Thomas Y. Crowell Compnay, NYC, NY, 1946, 1947. The book shows the rounded shield of Puerto Rico on a white field, in the center, as the Governor-General's flag. Steve Stringfellow, 12 August 1997 From: : Our Coat of Arms uses symbols of our history, culture and religion. It was first recognized by the Spanish Crown in 1511, but it wasn't until March 9,1905 that al law, establishing the official Coat of Arms was signed. After numerous investigations and amendments to that statute, the final version was approved and signed into law in 1976.The green background stands for our vegetation, our hopes and courtesy.

Within the background there's a lamb on top of the Book of Revelations, holding the seven seals of The Apocalypse. The lamb symbolizes peace, purity, humble, integrity, and holds a white flag with a red cross. The flag means "truce", or knowledge to stop fighting. Both, the lamb and the flag, are symbols of� "John The Baptist" or San Juan Bautista, the original name given by the Spanish settlers. The rim is covered by 16 symbols: castles signifying the "Kingdom of Castilla" and lions, representing the "Kingdom of Leon" and a flag, with both, lions and castles, representing the unity of both kingdoms, also shows the "Cross of Jerusalem" used by the Monarchs to expel the "non christians" from the Spanish peninsula. The crown on top symbolizes the "Royalty" who authorized this shield. To the right, an "F" for Fernando, to the left, a "?" for Ysabel, the King and Queen of the Spanish Empire. The motto reads: "Joannes Est Nomem Ejus", it means "John is it name", the original name of the island.

Our Coat of Arms is the oldest in use in America, other countries created a new Coat when they became independent, ours is the only one that remembers the Spanish presence in the "New World" or America. Dov Gutterman , 28 December 1998 Air National Guard Puerto Rico does not have an Air Force but it does have an Air National Guard. I have not been able to find an illustration of any roundel for it on the web, but did find several sites selling decals for Puerto Rico Air National Guard markings, so they must have some sort of unique insignia. Ned Smith , 19 April 1999 Puerto Rico Flag, Puerto Rican Flag Dominican Republic Flag Puerto Rican Flag Description The flag of Puerto Rico has five red and white horizontal stripes, with red on the top, bottom, and center, and white in between. On the hoist side, a blue triangle points inward, with a five-pointed star in white. The star represents the the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the triangle it sits inside shows the equality of each of the three branches of government, the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

The three red bands denote the bloodshed that allowed for the division of power of the government between the branches. The white stripes originally stood for victory and peace after independence, but were changed when the flag was officially adopted in 1952 to represent the new republican government. The blue used on the flag is not standardized, and can vary from light blue to dark blue. The flag design is an inversion of the colors on the Cuban flag. History of the Puerto Rican Flag The Puerto Rican flag was first designed in 1892 by the members of the Puerto Rican Revolutionary Committee. After the United States annexed the territory of Puerto Rico, the national flag's use was banned from 1898 to 1952. The flag was adopted as the official flag of Puerto Rico in 1952. ACOD~20121002

Question: How many red stripes are there on the national flag of Puerto Rico?
Answer: Three